SENATE BILL REPORT

                            HB 1632

                     AS OF MARCH 31, 1993

Brief Description:  Modifying funeral expenses of a deceased person.

SPONSORS: Representatives Anderson, Locke, Morton, Grant, Tate, Brough, Thomas and J. Kohl

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES

Staff:  Scott Plack (786‑7409)

Hearing Dates: April 2, 1993

BACKGROUND:

The right and responsibility for the disposition of the remains of a deceased person belong to the decedent's family, unless the decedent has left other instructions.  The liability for burial falls upon the family of the decedent in the following order:  surviving spouse, surviving children, and surviving parents.  A decedent's family is liable only for interment--burial or cremation--and is not liable for preparation and care of the remains, and other related services.

The Department of Social and Health Services' Funeral Assistance Program provides assistance for the preparation, care and disposition of the remains of a decedent whose assets are not sufficient to pay for a minimum standard funeral and interment.  The current maximum assistance available is $1,127, including $691 for preparation and funeral services and $436 for burial and purchase of a plot. 

DSHS may, but is not required to, consider the assets of surviving parents or children of adult decedents when determining the family's eligibility for the Funeral Assistance Program.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Social and Health Services is required to consider the assets of parents or children when determining whether or not the state will assume responsibility for costs associated with the funeral and interment of a deceased adult.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  available